What is a Provisional Psychologist?

A provisional psychologist is someone who has completed their tertiary qualifications and is eligible to undertake a program of supervision (internship) as they develop their applied skills “on the job”. Typically this involves a minimum of two years of weekly supervision with an AHPRA board approved supervisor. The provisional psychologist is required to complete a number of hours including psychological practice (supervised direct client contact and client related activities), supervision and professional development. Provisional psychologists must demonstrate attainment of the eight core competencies of their internship and complete a National Psychology Exam to be eligible to apply for general registration.

Supervision is where the provisional psychologist has confidential discussions with their nominated supervisor about the work they are doing with clients. It is a space for them to check in that they are applying appropriate evidence based interventions, developing core competencies, meeting APS Code of Ethics and meeting the requirements of formal processes of reporting to the board during the internship. It is also a space for the supervisor to ensure that client’s needs are being met by the provisional psychologist.

Provisional psychologists are not eligible to offer Medicare rebates, therefore we charge a lower rate than the registered psychologists in our practice. They are not limited in the number of sessions they can provide either. When working with clients, provisional psychologists are still doing exactly the same things a fully registered psychologist would be doing with clients. However they have a psychologist on call that they can check in with to make sure they are effectively supporting clients.

They are also required to do extensive professional development each year which means they are regularly learning about different ways to help their clients.

Please note : we do not currently have any provisional psychologists on our team.